At Heaven Hill Brands, we’re proud to continue our dedication to strengthening the neighborhoods surrounding our Bernheim Distillery through the first round of funding from our Spirited Neighbor Community Grant Program. With an initial $25,000 in grants awarded, we are partnering with eight local non-profit organizations that address vital community needs within the California neighborhood and nearby areas. We’re excited to announce that an additional $25,000 is planned for early next year, bringing our annual commitment to $50,000.
The Community Grant Program is a key part of our broader Spirited Neighbor Initiative, a five-year, $800,000 investment designed to foster collaboration with nonprofits, public organizations, and the community at large. This initiative is focused on key areas like education, mental health, and economic development—helping create a stronger, more connected West Louisville.
These grants wouldn’t be possible without the thoughtful work of our employee volunteer panel, which evaluated each grant application based on its alignment with our Spirited Neighbor goals, feasibility, and potential impact. We’re pleased to support the following organizations with this initial round of grants:
- Change Today, Change Tomorrow to support the Feed the West End initiative and the Youth Fall Festival, fostering youth engagement and community well-being;
- Chris 2X Game Changer to support the Future Healer Program, encouraging youth development and mental health support;
- Community Connections for its Financial Literacy Program and Financial Literacy Workshop, empowering individuals with essential financial skills;
- Imagination Library to promote early childhood literacy by providing books to young children.
- Louisville Academy of Music to support its music education programs, helping young people develop creative and artistic talents;
- Muhammad Ali Center for its Student Leadership Program (MACCS), promoting leadership and community engagement among high school students;
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for mental health education and crisis outreach, supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of the community;
- West End School for enhancing technology resources, helping bridge the digital divide for students in need.
This program is just getting started, and we look forward to continuing our support over the next several years. Our goal is to work alongside local groups that share our vision for a more connected and thriving West Louisville.
Nonprofits, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, and churches that meet section 501(c)(3) requirements can apply for a Spirited Neighbor Community Grant. Applications are submitted online during one of the two application cycles each year. The next application window will open in January 2025.
